Penn State football transfer 2026 portal tracker, who's in, out

Penn State football may need to rebuild its roster like never before through the NCAA transfer portal.

The Nittany Lions and new head coach Matt Campbell must first replace an inordinate number of juniors and seniors leaving for the NFL.

They then must account for one of the most depleted recruiting classes in memory.

And they also expect to lose a significant number of underclassmen because of the recent program turmoil, particularly the coaching transition ― firing James Franklin in October and hiring Campbell 54 days later.

The transfer portal is an online database of athletes who have submitted requests to find a new program. Players can leave through the upcoming, two-week transfer session (Jan. 2 through Jan. 16).

All transfers are eligible to play immediately, and graduates can transfer at any time. Players are allowed an unlimited number of transfers throughout their college careers. 

The Nittany Lions received significant transfer portal contributions this past season, including from linebacker Amare Campbell, safety King Mack and wide receivers Trebor Pena and Devonte Ross.

Here's who's coming and going for Penn State, the latest projections and announcements at the top of the list.

Players reportedly leaving Penn State football via transfer portal

Elliot Washington, cornerback

Junior cornerback Elliot Washington plans to enter the NCAA Transfer portal, CBS Sports and other outlets reported on Dec. 11. As a backup in 2025, Washington made 18 tackles and defended four pass defenses with an interception. He was a key reserve for three seasons.

Joey Schlaffer, tight end

Redshirt sophomore tight end Joey Schlaffer left the team in early November and expects to enter the transfer portal. He was the team's first departure after head coach James Franklin was fired in mid-October.

Schlaffer appeared in just three games this past season. He made his only college catch and touchdown in the blowout victory over Villanova on Sept. 13, a 19-yard pass play from quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer.

Players joining Penn State football via transfer portal

This section will be updated once announcements are made.

Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. Contact him at  [email protected] and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @YDRPennState.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Penn State football transfer portal tracker under coach Matt Campbell